Elizabeth Resident Gets Dirty To End MS

Elizabeth resident Lauren Blizzard will participate in the 2013 MuckFest MS in West Orange on June 15. (Photo courtesy of National Multiple Sclerosis Society/New Jersey Metro Chapter)

ELIZABETH – On June 15, Elizabeth resident Lauren Blizzard will tackle the mucky obstacles at MuckFest MS to help overcome multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Taking on this 5-mile obstacle course would challenge the most experienced athlete, but imagine doing it while also dealing with multiple sclerosis; that is exactly what Blizzard will do. She will run for herself, as well as the over two million people worldwide who live with this disease.

The fundraiser will take place at Essex County South Mountain Reservation in West Orange and proceeds will go to support critical MS research and programs and services for those living with the disease

Two years ago, Blizzard started experiencing numbness throughout her body accompanied by extreme fatigue. These episodes lasted for a month and after several doctor visits, MRIs, and opinions, Blizzard was told she had multiple sclerosis. She has had to make many changes in her life because of the MS symptoms she deals with daily.

Since her diagnosis, Lauren has been on a disease modifying medication, Copaxone, to keep her MS in check. Along with that, she pays attention to when she is feeling sick or run down and takes a break. Keeping her stress levels low, and sleeping when she is tired, has also contributed to her overall health.

Blizzard decided to run MuckFest MS this year to push herself to exceed any physical boundaries that she and her MS diagnosis have placed on her. Blizzard says, “I don’t want this disease to stop me from living my life the way I want to live it. This event is about me taking control of the little that I have control over, and exceeding my limits.”

Blizzard is a teacher in Kenilworth and when some of her students heard she was participating in MuckFest MS they decided to support her by running along with her. Blizzard and team, Nerves of Steels, will jump feet first into the Muck and conquer every obstacle in their way as they help create a world free of MS.

For more information about, or to register or volunteer for MuckFest MS, visit www.MuckFestMS.com.